Testing & Placement Services

Welcome to the Norma Stevens Testing Center, a quiet environment with a comprehensive testing program to support student success. We proctor course exams, GED exams, ALEKS math placement, English placement, and test proctoring for community and correspondence programs.

Please review the following list to help your arrival in the testing center go smoothly and quickly.

Photo ID is required for all exams

If possible, please bring only photo ID to the testing center. All personal belongings, including cell phones, brought to the testing center must be placed on the bookshelf or in a locker prior to testing.

Certain accommodations require an appointment to ensure we have resources available. Please contact us if you have questions about your accommodations.

Please be aware that we monitor the testing center via recorded video cameras.

Please note: One $25 fee for placement (math and/or English) will be applied to tuition/fees in the quarter the first placement occurs. To request a fee waiver, please see an advisor for eligibility requirements.

Math placement:

The math placement test requires:

Processed application to the college. Processing may take up to 48 hours after application is submitted.

ALEKS placement results can be transferred to or from another institution if the institution will allow or accept automatic transfers through ALEKS. Students log into their ALEKS account, click on the three vertical dots located to the right of cohort in the “My Classes” section, and select the “send results” drop down option in the “My Classes” section. The college code and institution should appear if the institution has accepted to receive automatic transfers.

To transfer scores to Whatcom: The scores have to be from a proctored exam and less than a year old. The student would search for Whatcom Community College in the send results field. If it does not populate as a location to send, they may search for us by our School Code: FB9C68A.

English placement:

English placement requires:

Processed application to the college. Processing may take up to 48 hours after application is submitted.

FAQs

How do I place into an English class?

The English department at Whatcom uses Informed Self-Placement (ISP), a research-based self-assessment method, designed to assist students in choosing their first English class. Use Informed Self-Placement, along with guidance from advisors, to select the best English course for your particular situation.

Students who pass an English class within the first or second quarter of enrollment tend to continue that road of success throughout their studies at Whatcom. Read through the options below to connect with the right resources to get you started on your journey:

Option 1: I have high school experience and no prior college credits OR I am/was a running start student

Option 1: I have high school experience and no prior college credits OR I am/was a running start student

See an advisor to determine how Smarter Balanced, transcripts, or AP test scores can be used to determine placement or satisfy certain math requirements. Please bring score reports or transcripts to your advising appointment.

Option 2: I successfully completed math courses, or placed into math, at another college

Students who earned college-level credits for math, or who completed a bachelor or associate degree at an accredited college or university with a grade of 2.0 or higher, should bring an unofficial college transcript when meeting with an advisor. Students who placed into math at another Washington State community or technical college quality for placement reciprocity.

Option 3: I am an active duty service member or veteran

Students with military credits should connect with the Veterans Services Office, submit official transcripts, and submit a credit evaluation form. Please see Veterans Services for more information on transferring military credits to Whatcom.

Option 4: I am an international student

International students enrolling in classes at Whatcom should connect with Sandra Kimura, associate director of international programs, for math placement test information.

Option 5: I am an adult basic education student

Students seeking a GED and/or improvement in math skills should connect with Tobi Martinez, program coordinator, in the office of transitional learning to develop an academic plan.

I am a community member. How do I take a non-WCC exam?

Test proctoring services for the community are available on a space-available basis. Most community exam fees are $30 per test. Contact the Testing Center to make an appointment or for information regarding specific test fees.

How do I take a GED?

Students interested in taking the GED will find a great testing environment in our testing center. We have four dedicated GED computers and offer tests Monday through Thursday.

Prepare:

General information and pre-test preparation is recommended and offered online. Practice tests are available for $6 each. The full tests are $30 each.

The GED consists of four tests focused on math, science, social studies, and reasoning through language arts. Questions types include multiple choice, drag and drop, fill in the blank, short answer, and more.

Timing:

Math – 115 minutes

Science – 90 minutes

Social studies – 70 minutes

Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes

Eligibility:

Students 19-years-old and older are eligible for the GED. Students 16-18 years old may take the GED after a Request for Approval to Test form from their assigned high school has been submitted to the Testing Center. Once the form is processes, students may finish setting up their online account and schedule their tests.